Projects

Integrated Health Patrols

Integrated Health Patrols in New Ireland and Western Province are Australian doctors travelling to rural and remote areas of PNG. In New Ireland, the doctor and their partner travel with teams of PNG district health staff including a dental technician, physiotherapist, maternity and child health nurse, eye nurse, sexual health (HIV, STI, PAP) and lab technician.

In Western Province, the team is much smaller with the doctor and their partner travelling with 1-2 Community Health workers and some logistics support.

Both types of patrol team enables mobile, on the spot triage, testing and treatment, with a significant emphasis on training and support to the accompanying local PNG staff.

Time is taken in delivering each service. Team members train local communities, rural health and aid post staff, whilst providing treatment and referral to communities that are rarely visited by health professionals.

The communities spread the word about imminent patrols to maximize your impact whilst travelling. This is health care at the frontline of Australia’s closest neighbor.

Testimonial

“I find it startling that although we can literally swim between our two countries, health and wellbeing between the two is in such stark contrast. PNG is Australia’s nearest neighbour, ..we have a duty to help PNG to improve its own health services.”Dr Melanie Olding

Fresh from facebook

Ever wondered how you might manage your diabetes while travelling in a remote area? Jennifer Mckellar of Australian Doctors International, who lives with type 1 diabetes, shares her experience being stationed as an aid worker in Papua New Guinea 😮 bit.ly/PNG_Diabetes